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Rotating Rooms and 3d Printed Concrete in a Modular Family Residence

Rotating Rooms and 3d Printed Concrete in a Modular Family Residence
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With rotating rooms optimized for sunlight exposure and constructed using 3D printed concrete, the design creates a modular family residence that adapts seamlessly to growing household needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rotating rooms adjust for optimal sunlight exposure throughout the day.
02
Constructed using 3D printed concrete for efficiency and precision.
03
Features a modular layout that accommodates future expansion needs.
04
Integrated wind tower for natural ventilation, enhancing indoor comfort.
05
Utilizes smart glass that dynamically adjusts to environmental conditions.

### Overview and Concept

Located in Hatta, approximately 134 km east of Dubai, UAE, the Famil-tree House is designed to reflect traditional Arab and Islamic values while incorporating modern architectural practices. The concept is rooted in the dynamics of a family tree, emphasizing adaptability and connection. The design aims to create a flexible living environment that can evolve in response to the changing needs of extended families, supporting both privacy and communal interaction.

### Architectural Form and Spatial Strategy

The Famil-tree House employs a modular design featuring a circular central core surrounded by individual living units. This configuration facilitates a balance between privacy and community, encouraging interpersonal relationships among inhabitants. The primary layout consists of two bedrooms with the potential for expansion, accommodating up to four additional rooms or living spaces. This flexibility allows it to adapt to different family configurations, making it suitable for varying group sizes and generational changes.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The construction utilizes an array of advanced materials to enhance durability and efficiency. The integration of 3D printed concrete allows for rapid assembly, particularly in the upper levels. Intelligent glass is used to optimize energy consumption by adjusting its transparency based on environmental conditions, reducing reliance on artificial climate control. Additionally, a stainless steel frame contributes to structural integrity while maintaining an elegant appearance. Wood finishes are incorporated to add warmth and comfort to the interior spaces. Elevating the design's environmental consideration, natural ventilation is facilitated by a traditional wind tower, complemented by sensor-controlled louvers to promote airflow.

Unique features also include rotating rooms on the second floor, designed to pivot for optimal sunlight exposure while reflecting biomimicry principles. The incorporation of a *majlis* fosters cultural connections, providing a designated space for family gatherings. Overall, the Famil-tree House emphasizes a harmonized approach to living, where architecture supports both personal and communal well-being.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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